Along The Rock

The Radar Free Press

Along the Rock, a video podcast produced by The Radar Free Press. We speak with local people regarding nonprofits, upcoming events, awards and news for the areas of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling in northwest Illinois.

  1. 3d ago

    Woodlawn Arts Academy: Creative Classes, STEM Activities & Kids Night Out

    🎨 Woodlawn Arts Academy has something for everyone! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Becky Rich and Sydney Segretto from Woodlawn Arts Academy to explore a variety of upcoming programs designed for adults, children, preschoolers, homeschoolers, and families. Sydney shares details about Social Seniors, Artsy Tots, preschool and homeschool programs, Full Steam Ahead, the Author and Illustrator class, and Kids Night Out. From creative projects and crafts to hands-on STEM activities, storytelling, music, and opportunities to socialize, these programs are designed to make learning fun while helping participants build new skills and connections. The conversation also highlights an upcoming Kids Night Out Glow Party, where children can enjoy music, activities, food, snacks, crafts, and plenty of glowing fun while parents get a few hours to themselves. 📅 Kids Night Out Glow PartyFriday, October 236:00–9:00 p.m. Upcoming Classes Include:• Social Seniors — Thursdays, 2:30–3:30 p.m.• Artsy Tots — Thursdays, 10:00–11:00 a.m.• Preschool Arts — Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.• Homeschool Arts — Thursdays, 1:00–2:00 p.m.• Full Steam Ahead — Thursdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m.• Author and Illustrator• Kids Night Out 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:22 Introduction to Woodlawn Arts Academy 00:36 Meet Becky Rich and Sydney Segreto 00:45 Upcoming Classes and Programs 01:18 Sydney's Background in Early Childhood Education 01:52 A New Lineup of Thursday Classes 02:01 Introducing Social Seniors 02:42 Crafts, Games and Social Activities for Adults 03:42 Social Seniors Schedule and Registration 04:19 Artsy Classes for Preschoolers and Homeschoolers 04:33 Painting, Music and Hands-On Crafts 05:07 Programs for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Homeschoolers 05:28 Class Ages, Schedules and Pricing 05:55 Eight-Week Sessions and Year-Round Enrollment 06:29 Along the Rock: Viewer Questions and Subscriptions 06:46 Introducing Full Steam Ahead 06:51 Hands-On STEM Learning and Activities 07:31 Combining Arts and Education 07:44 What STEM Means 08:10 Encouraging Future Engineers Through Play 08:24 Egg Drop Experiments and Learning by Doing 08:47 Full Steam Ahead Schedule and Age Range 09:17 Introducing the Author and Illustrator Class 09:25 Turning Children's Ideas into Books 09:44 Fiction, Nonfiction and Creative Storytelling 10:22 Writing, Illustration and Spelling Skills 10:37 Building Creativity and Friendships 11:18 The Value of Hands-On Learning 11:44 Supporting Children's Interests and Education 12:47 Introducing Kids Night Out 12:47 Crafts, Movies and Themed Activities 13:10 The Cardboard Box Drive-In Movie Idea 13:29 Glow Party and Blacklight Activities 13:50 Snacks, Crafts and Glowing T-Shirts 14:26 Kids Night Out: October 23 Event Details 14:39 Exploring Woodlawn's Variety of Programs 14:57 Wrapping Up with Becky and Sydney 15:32 Closing Remarks and Radar Free Press Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #WoodlawnArtsAcademy #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #ArtsEducation #YouthPrograms #KidsActivities #STEMEducation #FullSteamAhead #SocialSeniors #PreschoolActivities #HomeschoolActivities #ArtClasses #AuthorAndIllustrator #KidsNightOut #GlowParty #CreativeLearning #FamilyActivities #RadarFreePress

  2. 3d ago

    Sterling Schools Implements Illinois' Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban Early

    On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Tad Everett, Superintendent of Sterling Public Schools, to discuss Illinois’ new bell-to-bell cellphone law and why Sterling Public Schools chose to implement the policy one year ahead of the statewide deadline. The law, which takes effect statewide on July 1, 2027, restricts students from having personal wireless devices on their person during the school day. Dr. Everett explains what the law means for students, how Sterling is handling devices such as cellphones and smartwatches, and why the district decided to get an early start. The conversation also covers the impact of personal devices on classroom learning, social-emotional well-being, digital bullying, and student interaction. After several weeks under the new policy, Sterling Public Schools has already seen students talking more with one another, making more eye contact, and spending less time focused on their phones. Kierstyn and Dr. Everett also discuss the challenges of enforcing the policy, student safety concerns, exceptions for medical needs and caregivers, and the importance of giving students a voice in decisions that directly affect them. Watch the full episode to learn how Sterling Public Schools is navigating the transition and what its early experience could mean as schools across Illinois prepare for the statewide bell-to-bell requirements. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to the Bell-to-Bell Law 00:45 – What the New Illinois Cell Phone Law Requires 02:01 – When Students Can and Cannot Use Devices 03:40 – Smartwatches and Other Connected Devices 04:33 – The Goals Behind the Cell Phone Ban 06:10 – School-Issued Technology vs. Personal Devices 07:08 – Student Learning, Social-Emotional Health, and Cyberbullying 09:11 – Early Observations After Implementing the Policy 10:50 – How Students and Staff Are Adjusting 12:12 – Modeling Healthy Phone Habits 13:24 – The Impact of Phones on Face-to-Face Interaction 14:00 – Enforcing the Policy and Addressing Challenges 16:09 – Student Safety Concerns and Emergency Situations 16:51 – Exceptions for Caregivers and Students with Medical Needs 19:14 – Student Feedback and the Decision to Implement Early 20:32 – Parent Support and Looking Ahead to the Statewide Law 22:05 – Closing Remarks Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #SterlingPublicSchools #BellToBell #CellPhoneBan #IllinoisEducation #EducationPolicy #SchoolTechnology #StudentLearning #DigitalWellness #Cyberbullying #StudentSafety #SchoolSuperintendent #SterlingIL #IllinoisSchools #RadarFreePress

  3. 4d ago

    Discover Dixon's October Events: Scarecrow Festival, Chili Cook-Off & Trick-or-Treating

    🍂 Fall is in full swing in Dixon, and Discover Dixon has a packed October planned! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long talks with Jennifer Lang and Lucas Pauley from Discover Dixon about the community events bringing people downtown throughout the month. 🎃 Coming up in Dixon: 🌶️ Ultimate Tailgate📅 Sunday, Oct. 11⏰ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.📍 Bean Blossom parking lot, downtown DixonEnjoy a chili cook-off, bags tournament, lemonade, a mobile tattoo shop, and more before the Bears-Packers game. 🍁 Scarecrow FestivalExplore six blocks of downtown Dixon featuring more than 120 vendors, food, crafts, family activities, the Dixon Municipal Band, street performers, a scarecrow contest, and the popular Pumpkin Derby. 🎃 Pumpkin DerbyRegistration begins at noon, with the derby starting at 1 p.m. during the Scarecrow Festival. Participants create their own pumpkin racer before sending it down Hennepin Avenue. 👻 Treat Street & Halloween Parade📅 Saturday, Oct. 24⏰ Parade at 9:30 a.m.🍬 Treat Street and trunk-or-treat from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Families can enjoy the Halloween parade, downtown Treat Street with more than 20 businesses, and a trunk-or-treat featuring approximately 20 businesses at OSF Circle Drive. Discover Dixon is also looking for volunteers to help with its events throughout the fall. For event information, registration opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and updates, visit discoverdixon.com. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:22 – Introduction to Discover Dixon 00:59 – October Events in Dixon 01:03 – Ultimate Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off 01:50 – Bags Tournament, Tattoos and Tailgate Fun 02:34 – Bears-Packers Game Day Celebration 03:14 – Family-Friendly Activities and Event Information 04:09 – Dixon Scarecrow Festival 04:30 – Vendors, Entertainment and Family Activities 05:21 – Scarecrow Contest and Community Participation 06:03 – Exploring Downtown Dixon 06:39 – Pumpkin Derby at the Scarecrow Festival 07:01 – Pumpkin Derby Registration and Festival Traditions 07:31 – Community Spirit and Volunteer Opportunities 08:09 – Getting Involved and Supporting Local Events 08:30 – Student Volunteers and Community Partnerships 09:32 – Dixon's Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat Events 10:07 – Halloween Parade Route and Awards 10:32 – Downtown Trick-or-Treating and Trunk-or-Treat 11:30 – Parade and Trick-or-Treat Schedule 11:57 – Halloween Costumes and Family Fun 12:29 – Getting Ready for October in Dixon 12:42 – Discover Dixon Visitor Information 13:05 – Exploring Dixon and the Sauk Valley 13:30 – Closing Remarks Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #DiscoverDixon #DixonIllinois #SaukValley #FallEvents #OctoberEvents #DixonScarecrowFestival #UltimateTailgate #ChiliCookOff #PumpkinDerby #HalloweenParade #TrickOrTreat #TrunkOrTreat #FamilyFun #CommunityEvents #DowntownDixon #RadarFreePress

  4. 5d ago

    Dixon Rotary Club Hosts World's Largest Polio Walk

    On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Mary Oros and Tim Kunkel from the Dixon Rotary Club to talk about the upcoming World’s Largest Polio Walk and the local effort taking place right here in the Sauk Valley. Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio for 35 years, bringing the world within reach of eliminating the disease. While progress has reached nearly 99.9%, the work is not finished. The upcoming walk is an opportunity to raise awareness, show support and help Rotary continue its fight to completely eradicate polio. 📅 Date: October 24📍 Location: Page Park, Dixon, Illinois🕘 Registration: 9 a.m.🚶 Walk Begins: 10 a.m.📏 Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles, with options to walk farther💰 Cost: Free The paved route will take participants across Dixon’s new pedestrian bridge and through a wooded portion of the park. Rotary clubs from Rochelle, Rock Falls, Oregon, Walnut, Mendota and Sterling are expected to participate. Participants are encouraged to bring friends and family. Registration will be available at the event, and donations will also be accepted to support the fight against polio. Special event T-shirts are available for $20 in sizes small through 5XL. Shirt orders should be placed by October 5. Contact Mary Oros to order, or visit the Chamber office or Discover Dixon office. The event is planned for rain or shine, with the nearby armory available as an alternate location if necessary. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to the World's Largest Polio Walk 00:52 – Rotary's Mission to Eradicate Polio 02:21 – How to Participate in the Free Community Walk 03:29 – A Worldwide Effort to End Polio 05:06 – Walk Date, Location, and Registration Details 05:32 – The Route Across Dixon's New Pedestrian Bridge 06:26 – Walk Distance and Accessibility 07:02 – Connecting Local Rotary Clubs and Communities 07:38 – Polio Walk T-Shirts and Fundraising 09:29 – How to Join the Walk and Weather Plans 10:14 – Closing Remarks Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #DixonRotaryClub #WorldsLargestPolioWalk #EndPolioNow #RotaryInternational #PolioEradication #DixonIL #DiscoverDixon #RockFallsIL #SterlingIL #CommunityEvent #ServiceAboveSelf #RadarFreePress

  5. 5d ago

    AI in the Classroom: Balancing Innovation, Student Learning & Responsible Technology Use

    On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ben Sondgeroth, lead regional edtech coordinator for the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, for a conversation about one of the biggest questions facing schools today: What role should artificial intelligence play in the classroom? Ben explains why AI should be viewed as a partner in learning rather than a replacement for learning. The conversation explores how schools can introduce AI responsibly, the challenges surrounding academic dishonesty, the importance of critical thinking, and why students need to understand both the benefits and limitations of the technology. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock 00:39 – Does AI Have a Place in the Classroom? 01:13 – Keeping the Human Element in Education 02:18 – AI as a Learning Partner, Not a Replacement 02:59 – Real-World Examples of AI in the Workplace 04:10 – When Should Students Start Using AI? 05:03 – Should Schools Ban AI? 05:56 – Teaching Students Responsible AI Use 06:53 – The Rapidly Changing World of AI 07:39 – Establishing Ethical AI Guidelines 08:02 – Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future 09:02 – AI vs. Traditional Learning Tools 10:35 – Teaching Students and Teachers to Use AI 11:34 – Challenges Schools Face With AI 12:20 – Academic Dishonesty and AI-Generated Assignments 13:13 – How Many Students Are Actually Using AI? 13:52 – AI Deepfakes and Student Safety 15:15 – Addressing Misuse of Artificial Intelligence 15:47 – AI Detection Tools and Academic Integrity 16:24 – Rebuilding Trust Between Teachers and Students 17:27 – AI and the History of Academic Cheating 18:40 – Traditional AI vs. Generative AI 19:53 – How ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Work 20:20 – The Future of Siri and AI Assistants 22:20 – Is a Return to a Tech-Free Classroom Possible? 22:52 – Screen Time and Technology in Schools 23:35 – Finding the Right Balance With Classroom Technology 24:14 – Productive vs. Unproductive Screen Time 25:14 – Preparing Students for a Technology-Driven Workforce 26:43 – The Biggest Takeaways About AI in Education 27:13 – Preparing Students for an AI-Powered Future 28:10 – Knowing When to Use AI and When Not To 28:49 – The Impact of AI on Jobs and Productivity 29:48 – AI in Photography and Creative Work 31:24 – Developing Essential Skills for the Future 31:33 – Why Asking the Right Questions Matters 32:06 – Teaching Students to Write Effective AI Prompts 33:14 – Balancing AI's Benefits and Risks 33:24 – Healthy Skepticism and Responsible AI Use 34:06 – AI, Data Centers and Environmental Concerns 34:31 – AI's Potential to Save Water, Energy and Resources 35:21 – What's Next for AI in Education? 35:43 – Teaching Kids to Use AI Responsibly 36:22 – Closing Remarks Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInEducation #AIInTheClassroom #EducationTechnology #ResponsibleAI #ChatGPT #GenerativeAI #FutureOfEducation #DigitalLearning #StudentLearning #AcademicIntegrity #AIandEducation #EdTech #LearningTechnologyCenter #IllinoisEducation #SaukValley #RockFallsIL #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress

  6. 6d ago

    Junior Achievement: Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Leaders & Community Builders

    On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Lysa Hegland from Junior Achievement of the Heartland to explore how the organization is helping students prepare for life beyond the classroom. Junior Achievement of the Heartland is celebrating 70 years of serving communities across Iowa and Illinois. Today, the organization reaches approximately 63,000 students across 24 counties, including more than 1,200 students at 12 schools throughout the Sauk Valley. Lysa explains how programs like JA BizTown, JA Inspire, Stock Market Challenge, and JA Titan give students hands-on opportunities to learn about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, business, careers, and community involvement. The conversation also covers the importance of community volunteers, how teachers and parents can advocate for Junior Achievement programs in their schools, and ways local businesses and community members can get involved. 🎉 Junior Achievement of the Heartland 70th Anniversary Celebration📅 October 8, 2026📍 JA BizTown and Finance Park The anniversary celebration will give community members an opportunity to experience Junior Achievement firsthand and see how its hands-on programs help students develop real-world skills. Learn more about Junior Achievement of the Heartland, volunteer opportunities, curriculum, sponsorships, and upcoming events at heartland.ja.org. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock 00:35 – What Is Junior Achievement? 01:24 – Preparing Students for Real Life 02:06 – Learning Through Hands-On Experiences 02:41 – Celebrating 70 Years of Junior Achievement 04:10 – Junior Achievement in the Sauk Valley 05:29 – JA BizTown: Running a Business as a Student 06:50 – JA Inspire & Career Exploration 08:08 – Stock Market Challenge & Titan Competition 09:39 – Could Adults Get the JA Experience? 10:28 – How Students & Schools Can Get Involved 12:13 – Volunteers Bringing Learning to Life 13:06 – How the Community Can Support JA 14:20 – Free Curriculum for Teachers 15:10 – Upcoming Events & Opportunities 15:34 – 70th Anniversary Celebration 16:02 – Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? 16:18 – Closing Thoughts Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #JuniorAchievement #JuniorAchievementOfTheHeartland #AlongTheRock #SaukValley #RockFalls #FinancialLiteracy #Entrepreneurship #CareerEducation #Education #JAInspire #JABizTown #StockMarketChallenge #YouthEducation #CommunityEducation #FutureLeaders #RadarFreePress

  7. 6d ago

    What Should You Do With Extra Money? Cash Envelope Budgeting Explained

    What should you do when your budget actually leaves you with money left over? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman continue the conversation about cash-envelope budgeting and explore what happens when you do not spend everything you budgeted. Should you roll the money over to the next week? Move it to another category? Put it into savings or retirement? Or use it as a reward? Quinn and Emily break down the different options and talk about why giving leftover money a purpose can help strengthen your financial habits. They also discuss the psychology behind spending, the importance of intentional rewards, and when it might make sense to enjoy some of your extra money. Sometimes the biggest financial win is simply having money left over. Cash and Coffee is brought to you by the Radar Free Press. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to Cash & Coffee 00:10 What Happens When You Have Money Left Over? 00:38 Different Ways to Use Extra Cash 01:21 The Gas Envelope Example 02:25 Put It Toward Savings or Retirement 03:08 The “Bounty Hunt” Method 04:00 What Would You Do With Extra Money? 04:41 Reprioritizing Your Budget 05:19 Rewarding Yourself for Saving 05:46 The Psychology of Spending 06:07 When It’s Okay to Splurge 06:23 When to Be Smart With Extra Money 06:41 Thanks for Watching Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #CashAndCoffee #CashStuffing #CashEnvelopeSystem #Budgeting #PersonalFinance #MoneyManagement #SavingMoney #SavingTips #BudgetTips #FinancialLiteracy #GenZFinance #EnvelopeBudgeting #SmartMoney #MoneyHabits #PersonalBudget #SavingsGoals #RetirementSavings #CompoundInterest #FinancialGoals #RadarFreePress

  8. Sep 24

    Lumberjacks, Skillet Throwing & Fall Fun! Selmi’s Family Farm Has It All

    Get ready for a day of lumberjacks, fall fun, and family activities at Selmi’s Greenhouse and Family Farm! On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr talks with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism and Ranae Smith from Selmi’s Greenhouse and Family Farm about the sixth annual Lumberjack Show and everything happening at Selmi’s this fall. The Lumberjack Show takes place Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Selmi’s. Professional lumberjacks from Lumberjack Enterprises will put their skills on display with log cutting, axe throwing, log rolling, pole climbing, water log competitions, and more. EVENT SCHEDULE:• Lumberjack Shows: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.• Kids Interactive Camp: 1:30 p.m.• Women’s Skillet Throwing Contest: 2 p.m. The skillet throwing contest returns after a successful debut last year, with women competing to see who can throw a specially made skillet the farthest. Participants must register in advance, and space may be limited. There is plenty more to enjoy at Selmi’s throughout the day, including the petting zoo featuring Waldo the donkey, hot cider donuts, weekend food, a kids' play area, bounce pillow, giant slide, rides, bounce houses, corn pits, hayrides, and the 250-year-themed corn maze. Selmi’s is also kicking off its U-pick apple season, along with new sunflower and zinnia patches that offer plenty of opportunities for fall photos. ADMISSION:Admission is $9 per person and includes the Lumberjack Show, kids' interactive camp, skillet-throwing contest, and access to the other attractions at Selmi’s. 📍 Selmi’s Greenhouse and Family Farm📅 Saturday, October 3⏰ 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.🎟️ $9 per person The fall attractions at Selmi’s run through October 30. Watch the full episode to hear what Melinda and Ranae have planned and why the Lumberjack Show has become a fall tradition in the Sauk Valley. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to Along the Rock 00:26 Meet the Guests 00:33 The Lumberjack Show Returns 00:55 When & Where to Go 01:25 Six Years of Lumberjack Fun 02:00 Lumberjack Shows & Kids Interactive Camp 02:21 Women’s Skillet Throwing Contest 02:58 Why Cast Iron Skillets Keep Breaking 03:40 Skillet Throwing Rules & Prizes 04:39 What to Expect at the Lumberjack Show 05:39 Fall Fun at Selmi’s Family Farm 06:35 The Corn Maze & Fall Attractions 06:52 Apple Picking & New Fall Activities 07:37 Admission & What’s Included 08:17 Skillet Contest Registration 08:56 What Makes the Event Special 09:19 Event Recap 09:45 Thanks for Watching Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #SelmisFamilyFarm #LumberjackShow #RockFallsIllinois #RockFallsTourism #FallFun #FallEvents #FamilyFun #SaukValley #SaukValleyEvents #Lumberjacks #SkilletThrowing #CastIron #CornMaze #ApplePicking #PettingZoo #KidsActivities #FamilyEvents #IllinoisEvents #RadarFreePress

About

Along the Rock, a video podcast produced by The Radar Free Press. We speak with local people regarding nonprofits, upcoming events, awards and news for the areas of Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling in northwest Illinois.